The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration routinely collects data on large truck accidents, which the NHTSA defines as a vehicle with a gross weight rating over 10,000 pounds. According to annual data published in a recent NHTSA fact sheet, well over two-thirds of fatal large truck crashes across the country involve multiple vehicles. In addition, most of those crashes occurred on weekdays.
The data also documents injuries and fatalities resulting from large truck crashes, as well as which occupants in the vehicles were affected. Perhaps not surprisingly, occupants in other vehicles are killed at a much high rate than the truck occupants.
A recent example illustrates many of these statistics. According to authorities, a large truck flipped over on its side on the Bay Bridge, involving three other vehicles and blocking eastbound traffic. The crash happened on a weekday and caused major delays to many commuters. Fortunately, no one suffered serious injuries from this truck accident.
Readers likely can draw parallels from this story to their own experiences. Indeed, truck accidents on any of the bridges and tunnels maintained by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey can create similar traffic blockades. Sadly, truck accidents that don’t result in serious or fatal injuries seem to be the exception to the rule. Consequently, a truck accident victim or surviving loved ones can benefit from a consultation with a personal injury law firm.
An attorney that focuses on motor vehicle accidents understands that there are many ways to investigate for negligence. An attorney can examine whether a truck’s load was improperly stacked or secured. A trucking company’s employment procedures can be reviewed for examples of negligent hiring, training or supervision. These and other litigation strategies are described in more detail on our personal injury firm's website.